Catholic homily for Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle I
Theme: The demands of truth
By: Fr Francis Onwunali
Homily for Tuesday October 12 2021
Which one is more important to God – clean hands or a clean mind and heart? A clean mind and heart devoid of evil – greed, jealousy, pride, lust, deceit etc., will always reach out in love and compassion. A clean mind and heart surely will be open to truth, and not ashamed to uphold the demands of Truth.
In the first reading (Rm. 1: 16-25), St. Paul declares that he is not ashamed of the Gospel. He addresses the failure of both Jews and Gentiles to accept the gift of faith, which was first given to the Jews throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and to the Gentiles through nature. With the aberration of the Truth of faith, humanity have been led to impurity and idolatry. How do you handle the Truth of the Good News? Do you interprete it to suit your selfish desires, or do you allow the Truth of God’s Word to transform your life?
In the gospel (Luke 11: 37-41), Jesus while dining with a Pharisee chides the Pharisees for their overbearing attitude and overly insistence on the letter of the law while missing the point of being in a relatiinship with God.
Dear friends, God created us and has revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ for us to know, love, worship and to eternally be in a relationship with Him. Such relationship requires truthfulness, a life devoid of deceit.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will make simplicity of life our guide. May we rid our hearts of envy, greed, bitterness and grudge so as to be filled with love, compassion, kindness and mercy. Only with such cleanliness of heart can we relate with God and others. With the Psalmist we pray: “Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees” (Ps. 119: 135). Have a Truth-full day!
Fr Francis Onwunali